loufek



L. F. LOUFEK Jan. 24, 1956 APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RIP STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 1, 1952 m mww L. F. LOUFEK Jan. 24, 1956 APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RIP STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 1, 1952 L. F. LOUFEK Jan. 24, 1956 APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RIP STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 1, 1952 Jan. 24, 1956 L. F. LOUFEK 2,731,778

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RIP STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES Filed Feb. 1, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 L. F. LOUFEK Jan. 24, 1956 APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RIP STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 1, 1952 Jan. 24, 1956 F. LOUFEK 2,731,778

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RIP STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES Filed Feb. 1, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 24, 1956 L. F. LOUFEK 2,731,773

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RIP STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES Filed Feb. 1, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 FIG] ill

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United States Patent APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RIP STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES Louis F. Loufek, Davenport, Iowa, assignor to Ralston Purina Company, St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application February 1, 1952, Serial No. 269,544

29 Claims. (Cl. 53-6l) This invention relates to apparatus for applying rip strips to receptacles, and more particularly to apparatus for providing receptacles of the type consisting of a container having a cap and a wrapper or label holding the cap on the container with a rip strip for ripping the wrapper or label so that the cap may be easily removed and preserved and conveniently replaced on the container, for the purpose of keeping the contents fresh and clean.

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of apparatus for providing an inexpensive rip strip opener on a receptacle of the class above described, which is particularly suitable for providing a rip strip on a receptacle of the type consisting of a cy1indrical cardboard box, such as a box for oats, having a closure cap held to the container by a paper label or wrapper, the rip strip encircling the container adjacent the rim of the cap and having an end projecting upward from under the wrapper or label above the cap so that, by grasping the end of the strip and pulling it, the label or wrapper may be ripped along a line adjacent the rim of the cap; and the provision of apparatus for the rapid appli cation of rip strips to containers in such manner as to allow for subsequent application of the labels or wrappers according to standard practice, and without any further special operations as regards either the rip strip or the label or wrapper.

Other objects will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations of elements, features of construction, and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter described, and the scope of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which one of various possible embodiments of the invention is illustrated,

Fig. 1 is a plan of an apparatus of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a view in elevation of one side of the apparatus, parts being broken away, and illustrating moved positions of parts;

Fig. 3 is a view in elevation of the other side of the apparatus, parts being broken away, and illustrating moved positions of parts;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1, parts being omitted, and illustrating a container in movement;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical transverse section taken on line 55 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 4, parts being broken away;

Fig. 6-A is a broken-away part of Fig. 6;

Fig. 7 is a reduced horizontal section taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a view in elevation of a suction drum and folding means of the apparatus, the folding means being illustrated in folding position;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged horizontal section taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 10 is a fragment of Fig. 9 illustrating a moved position of parts;

Fig. 11 is a view in elevation of a container with a rip strip applied thereto, prior to the application of a label;

Fig. 12 is a view in elevation of the Fig. 11 container with a label applied thereto; and,

Fig. 13 is a section taken on line 13-43 of Fig. 12.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

The invention is herein described as it relates to the application of rip strips to cylindrical cardboard boxes such as are used for cats. Such boxes conventionally consist of a cardboard tube having a bottom closure.

permanently glued to the lower end of the tube, and a top closure cap removably telescoped on the upper end of the tube. Prior standard practice in packaging oats, for example, in such boxes has been to fill the boxes with oats and apply the top closure caps in a box filling and closing machine, and to deliver the filled and closed boxes to a label applying machine, which wraps a label around the box, the label being glued to the tube and the cap and holding the cap in place. In order to open the box, the consumer must cut through the label all around the box under and adjacent the rim of the cap. In the apparatus of this invention, each filled and closed box is provided, prior to delivery to the label applying machine, with a rip strip capable of ripping the subsequently applied label. It will be understood, however, that the principles of the apparatus of this invention may be applicable to operations upon containers of other types and for other purposes than the container herein specifically disclosed.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 11 shows a receptacle as it appears after having a rip strip applied thereto by apparatus of this invention and prior to application of a label or wrapper. The receptacle comprises a cylindrical container or box 1 having a cap 3. A line of adhesive 5, which may be continuous or broken, extends peripherally around the container adjacent the rim 7 of the cap, and a rip strip R is wrapped around the line of adhesive on the container and detachably held to the container by the adhesive. The adhesive bond is not so strong as to prevent the rip strip from being pulled away from the container. The rip strip is folded adjacent one end at 9 to have a pull tab end portion 11 which projects upward beyond the cap. This tab end portion of the strip is adhesively secured to the cap by a spot of adhesive 13. Figs. 12 and 13 show a label or wrapper 15 adhesively secured to the container and the cap to hold the cap on the container. The label or wrapper covers all of the rip strip except the pull tab end portion 11 thereof which projects beyond the cap. 'By grasping the projecting pull tab end portion 11 of the rip strip, and pulling thereon, the label or wrapper may be ripped along a peripheral rip line adjacent the rim 7 of the cap so that the cap may be removed. The rip strip R consists of a length of a narrow ribbon of any suitable rip strip material strong enough for ripping purposes.

As illustrated in the drawings, the apparatus of this invention comprises a table 21. Filled and capped cylindrical containers 1, unwrapped at this stage of operation, are conveyed in upright position as from a filling and capping machine (not shown) to the table by first and second endless belt delivery conveyors 23 and 25 (see Fig. l). Containers on the second delivery conveyor 25 are intermittently released by an escapement Y mechanism generally designated 27 including an escapement wheel 29. Each container, as released by the escapement wheel, is delivered on to the table for engagement by an intermittently driven indexing conveyor generally designated 31. This indexing conveyor comprises an endless chain 33 trained around sprockets 35 and 37 (Fig. 4) located in a horizontal plane above the table and at its opposite ends. As shown, the chain has six outwardly extending arms 39 (see Figs. 1 and spaced at equal intervals around its length. Containers delivered to the table are pushed around by these arms in upright position upon indexing operation of the indexing conveyor 31, which is indexed one-sixth of its length upon each cycle of operation, as will be subsequently made clear. The bottoms of the containers slide on rails 41 on the table.

Each container delivered to the table is conveyed by the indexing conveyor toan adhesive applying station B. At this station, adhesive applying mechanism generally designated 43 operates to apply the line of adhesive 5 in a narrow band peripherally around the container along a rip line just below the rim 7 of the container cap 3. The adhesive is applied while the indexing conveyor is at rest, between periods of conveyor operation.

The container, with the line of adhesive 5 thereon, is subsequently conveyed by the indexing conveyor to a rip strip applying station E. At this station, a prefolded rip strip R is applied to the container by securing one end of the strip to the container by the adhesive 5, and rotating the container to wrap the strip around the container upon the adhesive. Individual rip strips R are cut from a continuous length of rip strip material M supplied from a spool S. The application of the rip strip R to the container takes place during the interval when the indexing conveyor is at rest, between periods of conveyor operation.

After the rip strip has been applied to the container, the container is delivered by the indexing conveyor to a third endless belt conveyor 45 (see Figs. 1 and 3) which delivers the container to a label applying machine (not shown). As the container is delivered to the third endless belt conveyor, it is rotated against a heater d7 for heating the adhesive quickly to dry it.

More particularly, the chain conveyor sprocket 35 is located adjacent the right end of the table as viewed in Figs. 1 and 4, and the sprocket 37 is located adjacent the left end of the table. The sprocket 35 idles on a fixed vertical shaft 48. The sprocket 37 is a chain drivesprocket, being fixed on a vertical drive shaft $9. The fixed vertical shaft 48 is mounted at its lower end in a bracket 51 secured to the supporting framework 53 for the table, and at its upper end in a casting 55 fixed to a frame 57. The vertical drive shaft 49 is journalled at its lower end in a bearing 59 on a shelf 61 below the table, intermedite its ends in a bearing 63 secured to the underside of the table, and at its upper end in a casting 65 similar to the casting 55 fixed to the frame 57.

The drive shaft 49 is intermittently rotated clockwise as viewed in Fig. 1 to index the chain 33 through onesixth its length by indexing mechanism to be subsequently described. Sprockets 35 and 37 are of such diameter and shafts 48 and 49 are so spaced as to have a straight reach 67 of the chain 33 having a length corresponding to one-third the chain length traveling forward from right to left, and a straight return reach of the chain also one-third the chain length traveling from left to right. The indexing mechanism always efiects at-rest positioning of the conveyor arms 39 as illustrated in Fig. 1. One arm is positioned about at the beginning of the first straight reach 67 engaging a container at a station A. The next arm is about halfway along-the reach 67, engaging a container at station 13, this being the adhesive applying station. The'next arm is positioned about at the end of the reach 67, engaging a container at a station C. The next arm is positioned about at the beginning of the return reach 69, engaging a container at a station D. The next arm is positioned about halfway along the return reach 69, engaging a container at station E, the rip strip applying station. The next and sixth arm is positioned about at 4 the end of the return reach 69, engaging a container at a station F. When the chain is indexed one-sixth its length, the container at A is indexed to B, the container at B is indexed to C, the container at C is indexed to D, the container at D is indexed to E, the container at E is indexed to F, and the container at F is pushed on to the exit conveyor 45. The containers are laterally confined throughout the course of their conveyance by the chain conveyor between the chain 33 and the side rail 70.

A rail 71 (see Figs. 1 and 5) extends between the castings and on the inside of the forward reach 67 of the chain. A corresponding rail 73 extends between the castings on the inside of the return reach 69 of the chain. Each arm 39 comprises a plate secured at 75 (see Fig. 5) to a bracket 77 pinned at 79 to the chain 33. The plate has upper and lower flanges 81 and 83 carrying upper and lower container-engaging rollers 85 and 87. The bracket has a guide channel 89 for straddling the rails 71 and 73. The guide channel has upper rollers 91 for engaging opposite sides of the rails adjacent their upper edges, and lower rollers 92 for engaging the outside of the rails adjacent their lower edges. As the arms travel around the sprockets (see Fig. 4), the lower rollers 92 engage end rails 93 supported above the table on members 94. These end rails are curved in accordance with the curves of the chain around the sprockets.

The table track 41 is interrupted at the adhesive applying station B. In the interruption is a turntable 95 (see Figs. 5 and 7). This turntable is fixed on the upper end of a vertical spindle 97 (see Fig. 5). Bean ings for the spindle are shown at 99 and 101. A container released by the escapement wheel 29 is conveyed by the. belt conveyor 25 against the rearward side of that arm 39 at the beginning of the reach 67 (see Fig. 1). Upon'the first subsequent indexing of .the chain 33, this particular container is first pushed forward by is pushed forward from station A on to the turntable at station B. A leaf spring 103 bears down on the top of the container on the turntable to hold the container steady. This spring is carried by a bracket 105.

Above and toward one side of'the turntable 95' is a horizontal friction wheel 107. A container on the turntable is held in frictional engagement with this wheel by a roller 109 on an arm 11-1 pivoted for horizontal swinging movement on a bracket 113 and biased toward the container by a spring 115 (see Fig. 7). The roller 109 also holds the container inengagement with the rollers 85 and 87 on the arm at the station E. A flanged roller 117 carried by a bracket 119 engages the top of the container. The friction wheel 107 is fixed on a vertical shaft 121 which is driven clockwise as viewed from above. Accordingly, a container on the turntable 95 held in frictional engagement with the trio tion wheel 107 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from above. 9

Located above the friction wheel 107 is a glue receptacle 123. Above this receptacle is a horizontal thinrimmedglue roller, designated 125, fixed on'a. vertical shaft 127 which is aligned with the friction wheel shaft 121. The glue roller is driven clockwise as viewed from above at a speed which is equal to or slightly greater than the, speed of the friction wheel '107. The

diameter and elevation of the glue roller are such that the glue roller and a container on the turntable are in contact at a point just below the rim of the cap of the container (see Fig. 5). At 129 is shown a glue pump. A pipe 131 connects the glue receptable 123' to the pump inlet. The pump delivers glue back to the receptacle through a pipe 133. This pipe has a j slot 135 receiving the rim of the-glue roller, so that glue.

being, pumped to. the receptacle by the pump is applied to the rim of the glue roller. Two doctor bladesyn roughing blade 137 and a fine blade 139, are provided on the glue receptacle for obtaining a desired thickness of glue on the rim of the glue roller.

The elements of the adhesive-applying mechanism 43 are carried by an open rectangular frame 141 (see Figs. 2 and 5) secured to the table 21. The friction wheel shaft 121 is journalled in a bearing 143 secured to the lower bar of the frame. The glue roller shaft 127 is journalled in a bearing 145 secured to the upper bar of the frame, in vertical alignment with the bearing 143. The glue receptacle is mounted in position within the frame by a bracket 147. At 149 is shown a vertical drive shaft for driving the adhesive-applying mechanism (see Figs. 2 and 6). This is journalled at its upper end in an upper bearing 151 on the top bar of frame 141, in an intermediate bearing 153 on the lower bar of the frame 141, and at its lower end in a bearing 155 fixed to the table framework. At its upper end, the shaft 149 carries a gear 157 in mesh with a gear 159 on the upper end of the glue roller shaft 127. The friction wheel shaft 121 is driven from the shaft 149 by a chain and sprocket drive 161 including an idler sprocket 163 (see Fig. 6). The pump is driven from the shaft 149 by a chain and sprocket drive 165 (see Fig. 6).

The indexing mechanism for the indexing conveyor comprises an electric motor 167 (see Figs. 2 and 3) geared by bevel gearing 169 to a vertical main drive shaft 171. This shaft is journalled at its lower end in a bearing 173 carried by the table framework. tends upward through an opening in the shelf 61, being journalled in a bearing 175 fixed to the shelf and at its upper end in a bearing 177 secured to the underside of the table. The shaft 171, which is rotated continuously counterclockwise as viewed from above by the motor 167 during the operation of the apparatus, is geared by intermittent gearing 179 (see Figs. 4 and 6) to effect intermittent rotation of a vertical countershaft 1S1. countershaft 131 is journalled at its lower end in a bearing 153 on the shelf 61 and at its upper end in a bearing secured to the underside of the table 21.

The intermittent gearing 179, as illustrated, is of the Geneva wheel type, and includes a drive arm 187 fixed at its center on the drive shaft 171 and having drive rollers 189 at its ends engageable in slots 191 in a driven Geneva wheel 193 on the countershaft 181. The wheel 193 has four slots 191 and four locking rollers 195 co operative with a locking disk 197 fixed on the main shaft 171 above the arm 137. The disk has diametrically opposite clearance notches 199 aligned with drive rollers 189. Each time the drive arm 187 makes a half'revolution, a drive roller 189 engages in a slot 191 in the wheel 193 and indexes it one-quarter revolution. Clearance notches 199 permit this. During that portion of a half-revolution of the drive arm prior to entry of a drive roller in a slot, the periphery of the locking disk engages two locking rollers 195, and locks the wheel 193 and shaft 181 against turning. The countershaft 181 drives the sprocket shaft 49 through a chain and sprocket drive 201, the ratio of this drive being such as to effect indexing of chain 33 through one-sixth its length upon each quarter-revolution of the countershaft 181.

The main drive shaft 171 is connected by a chain and sprocket drive 203, including a chaintensioning idler sprocket 265 (see Fig. 6), to drive a second vertical countershaft 297 located near the left end of the apparatus. This countershaft 207 is journalled at its lower end in a bearing 209 on the shelf 61 and at its upper end in a bearing 211 secured to the underside of the table 21. Countershaft 207 is connected by a chain and sprocket drive 213, including a chain-tensioning idler sprocket 215, to the adhesive-applying mechanism drive shaft 149 (see Fig. 6).

At the rip strip applying station E is a turntable 217 It ex- (see Figs. 5 and 7). This turntable is fixed on the upper end of a vertical spindle 219. Bearings for the spindle are shown at 221 and 223. After application of adhesive thereto at adhesive applying station B, a container comes on to the turntable 217 after having been indexed through stations C and D and thence to station E. A container on the turntable 217 is held pinched between a pair of soft rubber rolls 225 on the inside, and a lower roller 227, a horizontal friction wheel 229 and a horizontal rip-strip-holding suction drum 231 on the outside. Rolls 225 correspond in diameter to the containers and are fixed on a vertical shaft 233 journalled in upper and lower bearings 235 and 237. The roller 227 is mounted on a horizontally swinging arm 239 pivoted on a bracket 241 and biased toward the container by a spring 243 (see Fig. 7). The suction drum 231 is fixed on the upper end of a vertical hollow shaft 245 (best shown in Fig. 5) journalled in a bearing 24"] mounted on a frame 249. The elevation of the suction drum corresponds to the elevation of the glue roller 125, and hence to the elevation of the line of glue on a container on the turntable 217. The friction wheel 229 has the same diameter as the suction drum and is fixed on the hollow shaft 245 under the drum.

The suction drum 231 comprises a ring 251 having an upper head plate 253 and a lower head plate 255 enclosing the space within the ring to define a vacuum chamber 257. The ring has a narrow peripheral ledge 259 slightly wider than the rip strip material. The circumference of the periphery of this ledge is equal to twice the length of a rip strip R (including the folded end portion 11 of the strip), and hence is somewhat greater than twice the circumference of a container. Pins 260 extend radially outward on opposite sides of the ledge. The ring hasa plurality of small perforations 261, extending through the ledge to the chamber 257. These perforations are closely spaced all around the ledge. The ring also has two diametrically opposite notches 263 in its periphery (see Fig. 9). Fixed in each of these notches isan anvil 265. Since the circumference of the ring is twice the length of a rip strip R, the anvils are spaced one full rip strip length around the ring circumference.

The ring also has two diametrically opposite notches 267 adjacent the notches 263. Fixed in each notch 267 is a folder block 269. Each folder block has a vertical slit 271 angled in the direction toward the adjacent anvil 265. Each folder block is located in leading relation to the adjacent anvil in respect to the direction of rotation of the suction drum, which is counterclockwise as viewed from above. Between each two adjacent notches 263 and 267, the ledge 259 is discontinued, and there are no perforations. The arcuate extent of the drum from the outer end of each slit 271 to the center of the adjacent anvil 265 corresponds generally to the length of the end portion 11 of the rip strip R to be folded.

The lower head plate 255 of the suction drum has a central opening receiving the upper end of the hollow shaft 245. In the hollow shaft is a vertical pipe 273 (see Fig. 5) open at its upper end to the chamber 257 in the drum. Around this pipe adjacent its upper and lower ends are bearings 275 for the hollow shaft 245. A hose 277 connects the lower end of the pipe toa conventional suction pump (not shown) for drawing a vacuum in the chamber 257 in thedrum. Rip strip material M supplied from the spool S is guided to the ledge on the drum by a guide 279 (Figs. 1 and 9). The guide is so located that the material comes on to the ledge at a point nearly 90 in counterclockwise direction from the point of engagement of the suction drum with a container on the turntable 217 In the operation of the apparatus, rip strip material extends counterclockwise around the circumference of the ledge 259 from the guide 279 to the point of engagement of the suction drum with a container, being held to the ledge by suction. Thus, the rip strip material closes all the perforations 261 in the drum except for those between the container and the guide (see Fig. 9). Loss of vacuum through these perforations is prevented from within the drum by an arcuate closure 281 fixed within the drum and closing these perforations at their inner ends; This closure comprises a leather pad on an arcuate finger 233 at the end of an arm 2S5 fixed to the upper end of the pipe 273. As the suction drum rotates, the inside of the ring 251 wipes on the pad.

Each time a container comes on to the turntable 217, and the indexing conveyor 31 comes to a stop, the turntable and the rollers 225 are positively driven through one revolution, and the suction drum 231 and the friction wheel 229 are driven through one-half revolution. As viewed from above, the turntable rotates clockwise, the rollers 225 counterclockwise, and the suction drum and friction wheel 22? counterclockwise. This rotates the container on the turntable through one revolution clock wise. As the suction drum rotates one-half revolution clockwise, it pulls a rip strip length of rip strip material M from the supply, and the material is wrapped around the ledge 259 on the drum, being held thereon by suction, and being laterally confined by the pins 269. The suction drum is phased to stop with one anvil 265 toward the inside of the apparatus at about the point of engagement of the drum with a container on the turntable 217, and the other anvil diametrically opposite on the outside (see Fig. 9). A rotary cutter 237, which operates in timed relation with the drum, making one revolution upon each half-revolution of the drum, cuts the rip strip material against the outside anvil (as shown best in Fig. 9).

This occurs as the drum comes to a stop upon completing each half-revolution. Thus, the rip strip material M held by suction on the drum is divided into a rip strip length R extending counterclockwise around re drum as viewed frotnabove from the outside anvil 2&5 to the inside anvil, being severed from the short reach extending counterclockwise around the drum from adjacent the guide 279 to the outside anvil.

The turntable 217 on the spindle 219, the rubber rolls 225 on shaft 233, and the friction wheel 229 and suction drum 231 on shaft 245 are driven from the main drive shaft 171 by a drive including a half-revolution clutch mechanism generally designated 289 (see Figs. 2 and 4-6). This mechanism includes a conventional onerevolution clutch 291 of the type having a trip normally tending to engage the clutch and engageable with a dog to disengage the clutch. Such clutches are well known and further description is therefore omitted. In order to convert the one-revolution clutch to a half-revolution clutch, two dogs 293 and 295 are used, spaced at 180 intervals around the clutch. for engagement by the trip of the clutch. These dogs are constituted by fingers at the ends of lovers 297 and 299 pivoted at 331 and 303, to spectively, on a bracket 395 to swing in a horizontal plane. The lever 297 has an extension 397 past its pivot. A link 309 connects this extension to lever 299 so that when lever 297 swings in one direction, lever 299 swings in the opposite direction. The levers are biased toward one another, and toward the clutch, by a tension spring 311. They are controlled by a bell crank 313 operated by a solenoid 315.

When the solenoid 315 is deenergized, its plunger 317 is gravity-retracted downward against a stop 319. When the solenoid is energized, the plunger moves upward to swing the bell crank 313' clockwise as viewed in Fig. 2 against the extension 307 of lever 297. This swings lever 297 counterclockwise and lever 299 clockwise as viewed in Fig. 6 to a clutch-trip-disengaging position. When the solenoid is deenergized, the levers are released to be biased by the spring 311 to a clutch-trip-engaging position. The solenoid is controlled by a momentary contact switch 321 (Figs. 1, 4, 5 and 7) positioned for engagement by a container moving on to the turntable 217. Each time a container moves on to the turntable, the container momentarily closes the switch and the solenoid is momentarily energized. This effects momentary retraction of both'dogs 293 and 295 for instigation of rotation revolution, the clutch trip engages one or the other of the two dogs, and the clutch is disengaged.

The driving shaft of the clutch is designated 323 and its driven shaft is designated 325. The driving shaft 323 is journalled atits upper end in a bearing 327 secured to the underside of the table and is continuously driven from the main drive'shaft 171 by a chain and sprocket drive 329. The driven shaft 325 is journalled at its lower end in a bearing 331 on the shelf 61. The driven shaft is geared by intermittent gearing 333 to effeet a one-quarter revolution of a vertical countershaft 335 (see Figs. 5 and 6) upon each half-revolution of the driven shaft. This intermittent gearing, as illustrated,

is of the Geneva wheel type, being identical to the gear-;

ing 179, and the same reference characters are used. for

the individual elements of gearing 33 as are used for the individual elements of gearing 179. I The vertical countershaft 335 is journalled at its lower end in a bearing 336 on the shelf 61, and at its upper end in a bearing 337 fixed to the underside of the table.

such that the spindle and turntable 217 are rotated one revolution upon each quarter-revolution of the countershaft. The chain is also trained around idler sprockets 345, 347 and 349 (Figs. 6 and 6A). The vertical countershaft 335 is connected to drive the soft rubber rollers 225 by a chain and sprocket drive including a chain 351 trained around a sprocket 353- on the countershaft 335 under sprocket 339 and around an idler sprocket 355 and in mesh with a sprocket 357 on the shaft 233 (Fig. 6). The drive ratio here is such that the soft rubber rollers are rotated one revolution upon each quarterrevolution of the countershaft. The idler sprocket 355 is on a shaft 358 which extends down from the underside of the table.

The cutter 287 comprises a knife 359 on the end of a radial arm 361 at the upper end of a vertical shaft 363' (see Figs. 1, 3 and 5). This shaft is journalled in bearings secured to a bracket 365 mounted on a horizontal supporting plate 367. The cutter shaft 363 is driven from the hollow vertical shaft 245 by gearing 369 to make one revolution in clockwise direction as viewed from above upon each half-revolution of the shaft 245. The arm is phased to stop with the knife in cutting engagement with the outside anvil 265, as shown in Figs. 1, 5 and 9.

The suction drum 231 carries a pair of strip folding devices 371, one for each of the folder blocks 269. As shown best in Fig. 8, each folding device comprises a blade 373 at one end of a lever 375. Each lever is pivoted on a horizontal axis at377 intermediate its ends in a bracket 3'79 secured to the top of the drum. Each lever has a cam follower roller 381 at its other end opposite the blade which rides in a cam track 333 defined by a pair of cam rails 385. These rails are circular .in plan (see Fig. l), concentric with the suction drum.

They are fixed in position above the suction drum, mounted on a frame generally designated 337. The blade end enemas which starts at a point about diametrically opposite the point of engagement of the suction drum and a container and which runs countercloikwise from this point as viewed from above for about 90 of arc. It then has a sharp fall 391 in about 45 of are to a lower dwell portion 393 which extends about to the point of engagement of the suction drum and a container on turntable 217. From this point, the track then has a gradual rise 395 back to the beginning of the upper dwell 389. The cam track is so developed and phased that when the suction drum is in either of its two at-rest positions, the cam follower roller 331 of the lever 375 on the outside is nearly but not quite at the upper end of the rise 395, the lever is inclined downward, and its folding blade 373 is about to enter the slit 271 of the corresponding block 269 (see Figs. 3 and 9). The cam follower roller of the lever on the inside (see Fig. 4) is approximately at the end of the fall 391 and the inside lever is nearly horizontal, with its folding blade retracted from the slit 271 in the inside block 269. As the suction drum rotates through each of its half-revolution cycles, the outside lever moves to the inside position and, as it does so, it is caused to swing somewhat farther downward by the end of the rise 395 to cause the blade to tuck the strip into the slit and effect a folding up of the end portion 11 of the fresh rip strip R brought on to the drtun and severed by the knife 359 (Fig. 8). It will be seen that the development and phasing of the rise 395 is such that the actual entry of the folding blade into the slit does not occur until after the material has been severed by the knife 359. Following the completion of its downward swing, the lever re mains in its fully downward position as its follower roller 381 travels in the dwell 389, thenis swung upward as the roller travels in the fall 391 to retract the folding blade from the slit. As the initially inside lever moves around to the outside position, its follower roller 381 travels in the rise 395, and the lever swings down to the position where the folding blade is about to enter the slit.

At 491 is shown a dauber having a nose 403 for daubing a spot of adhesive on the outside of the foldedup end portion 11 of the strip. This dauber is mounted on the end of a radial arm 405 fixed on the upper end of a vertical shaft 407. This shaft is driven in clockwise direction as viewed from above through a chain and sprocket drive 411 taken off the cutter shaft 363. The drive ratio here is such that the dauber makes one revolution for each revolution of the cutter shaft and for each half-revolution of the suction drum. The at-rest position of the dauber is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 9. It is phased for its nose 403 to come into engagement with the outside of the folded-up end portion 11 of the strip shortly after instigation of each cycle of operation of the suction drum and the dauber, bearing in mind that the drum makes one-half revolution and the dauber one full revolution per cycle. Each folding device 371 is equipped with a wire 412 which backs up the folded-up rip strip end 11 upon its engagement by the nose of the dauber.

Once each revolution of the dauber, its nose wipes against the face of a disk 413 rotary in a glue receptacle 415 on the plate 367. The disk is fixed on a horizontal shaft 417 journalled in bearings 419 mounted on the plate 367. The lower portion of the disk dips into glue in the receptacle. The disk is continuously driven through a chain and sprocket drive 421 from the shaft 207 to a vertical shaft 423, which at its upper end is geared by bevel gearing 425 to the horizontal shaft 417. The chain and sprocket drive includes an idler 427 (Fig. 6).

The rip strip material is positively fed from the spool to the guide 279 by rubber feed rolls 429 (Fig. 1). The spools and these rolls are mounted on an outrigger frame 431. The feed rolls are positively driven to advance one rip strip length upon each half-revolution of the suction drum by means of a chain and'sprocket drive 433 taken off 10 the cutter shaft 363. A strip-tension controlled brake for the spool is shown at 435.

The endless belt conveyor 25 is trained around horizontal sheaves 437 and 439 with its upper container-supporting reach at the level of the rails 41 on the table 21. The upper reach travels from right to left as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2, and is aligned with the initial straight track section, extending all the way to station A. The endless belt conveyor 23 is laterally offset from conveyor 25, being trained around a forward horizontal sheave 441 on the same shaft as sheave 439 and a rearward sheave 443. Containers advanced by the first conveyor transfer to the second on a transfer plate 445, being guided by an angled portion 447 of side rail and an angled portion 449 of a side rail 451. The endless belt conveyor 45 has an upper reach traveling from left to right starting at station F. It is trained around sheaves 453 and 455. All the endless belt conveyors are driven by an electric motor 457 (see Figs. 3 and 6). The sheave 453 is on a shaft 459 driven by the motor through a speed reducer 461 and a chain and sprocket drive 463. The shaft 465 for the sheaves 439 and 441 is driven from the shaft 459 through a chain and sprocket drive 467.

The escapement wheel 29 of the escapement mechanism 27 is mounted on the upper end of a vertical shaft 469 at an elevation above the upper reach of the conveyor 25. The escapement wheel has a ratchet 471. The wheel is adapted to be locked against rotation by a pawl 473 engageable with the ratchet. The pawl is on the upper end of a vertical shaft 475. Fixed on the shaft 475 is a lever 477. The pawl is biased toward the ratchet by a spring 479 connected to the lever. The pawl is periodically released from the ratchet by a trip arm 481 fixed at its center on the upper end of a vertical shaft 483 and having upstanding pawl-engaging rollers 485 at its ends. The shaft 483 is continuously driven by a chain and sprocket drive 487 taken off the main drive shaft 171. The drive ratio and phasing here are such that the pawl is released from the ratchet at the conclusion of each indexing operation of the indexing conveyor 31. Upon release of the pawl, the escapement wheel is freed for rotation. The container eing pushed against the escapement wheel by the conveyor 25 thereupon rotates the wheel one step and escapes past it. The pawl locks the wheel against turning before the next container can escape.

The heater 47 comprises a narrow plate 439 heated by an electrical resistance heater element in a housing 491. The plate is mounted in the vertical plane of the reach 69 of the indexing conveyor, extending horizontally from the end of this reach past the end of the belt conveyor 45, and at the elevation of the rip strip on a container. A container being pushed on to the conveyor 45 is pinched between an endless belt 493 and the plate 439. The belt 493 is trained around horizontal sheaves 495 and 497 mounted on the upper ends of vertical shafts 499 and 501. Shaft 499 is a long shaft, extending downward below the level of the shelf 61. It is driven from the main drive shaft 171 through a chain and sprocket drive 503. The drive ratio is such that a container pinched between the belt 493 and the plate 489 is rotated as it is moved by the conveyor 45 so that the entire circumference of the container is heated by the plate to dry the adhesive.

Operation is as follows:

During each half-revolutionof the main drive shaft 117, which rotates continuously during the operation of the apparatus, the indexing conveyor 31 is indexed onesixth its length to advance containers from one station to the next. The indexing occurs in an interval less than the time it takes the shaft 171 to make one-half revolution, and during the remainder of this time the indexing con veyor is at rest. Filled and capped containers are delivered in upright position to the indexing conveyor in appropriately spaced relation, the escapeinent wheel 29 releasing a container for delivery to the indexing conveyor upon each half-revolution of the main drive shaft 171 in such timed relation to the operation of the indexing 1 1 on eyor ha a c nta ner rel a ed y t e es apem n wheel is delivered into position behind the conveyor arm 39 at station A.

Following the course of a container released by the escapement wheel into position behind the conveyor arm 39 at station A, upon the first subsequent indexing of the conveyor 31, the container is engaged by the arm 39 coming around the sprocket 3S and pushed forward to station A. It remains in this position during the pause of the indexing conveyor. Upon the next indexing of the conveyor it is pushed forward to station B, the adhesive applying station. Here it comes on to the turntable 95, and is engaged with the friction wheel 107 and the glue roller 125 by the action of rollers 109 and 117. The friction wheel 1G7 and glue roller 125, which are continuously driven, effect rotation of the container thereby to apply the narrow band of adhesive 5 around the container adjacent the rim 7 of the cap 3 on the container. This occurs during the pause of the indexing conveyor. Since the arm 39 of the indexing conveyor is in engagement with the container only through the rollers 85 and 3'7, rotation of the container is unimpeded by the arm.

Upon the next indexing of the conveyor, the container, with the line of adhesive 5 thereon, is pushed off the turntable 95 and moved to station C. It pauses here, and then upon the next indexing of the conveyor is moved to station D. It pauses again, and upon the next indexing of the conveyor is moved to station E, the rip strip applying station. Here it comes on to the turntable 217, and

is engaged with the soft rubber rollers 225, and with the roller 2Z7, friction wheel 2.29, and the suction drum 231. As it comes on to the turntable, it engages and momentarily closes the switch 321. The momentary closure of the switch effects momentary energization of the solenoid 315 to rock bell crank 313 clockwise to effect momentary retraction of the clutch-controlling dogs 2% and 295. This reieaes the driven element 325 of the clutch for rotation through a half-revolution. Rotation of 325 through a half-revolution effects rotation of the countershaft 335 through one-quarter revolution.

Upon rotation of the countershaft through one-quarter revolution, the turntable 217 is rotated one revolution clockwise. The rollers 225 are rotated one revolution counterclockwise. The friction wheel 229 and the suction drum are rotated one-half revolution counterclockwise. The cutter 237 is rotated one revolution clockwise. The dauber 481 is rotated one revolution clockwise. Feed rolls 4-29 are rotated to advance one rip strip length of material M to the suction drum. The container on the turntable 217 is rotated one revolution clockwise.

As a result of previous operation of the apparatus, or of initial set-up for starting operations, prior to the tripping of switch 321 by a container coming on to the turntable 217 there will be on the suction drum a rip strip length of the material M severed from the continuous length of the material, the length R extending from the outside anvil 265 counterclockwise around the suction drum to the inside anvil 265. There will also be an end portion of the material extending counterclockwise around the drum from the guide 279 to the outside anvil, the end of this being separated from the rip strip. length R on the drum by the knife 359, which is in severing engagement with the outside anvil 255 whenever the drum is stopped. The inside folder blade 373 is raised, and the outside blade 373 is about to enter the slit 271 in the outside block 269.

When the container comes on to the turntable, the end of the rip strip length R on the drum at the inside cutter block 265 becomes attached to the container by the glue. Then, as the container is rotated one revolution clockwise, and the drum one-half revolution counterclockwise, the, strip R is pulled off the drum and wrapped around the container upon the line of glue. During the initial phase ofthe half-revolution of the drum, the outside folder blade 373, which is moving around to the inside position with the drum, swings down into the respective slit 271 and effects the folding up of the end portion 11 of the strip R. Immediately after the folding, the nose 403 of the dauber wipes across the outside of the folded-up end portion 11 of the strip to apply the spot 3.3 of glue thereto. When the rip strip is wrapped around the container, this spot of glue faces toward the container and, accordingly, the end portion 11 becomes spot-glued at 13 to the container cap.

Also, as the suction drum is rotated one-half revolution clockwise, and the outside anvil 265 comes around to the inside position, the drum takes up an additional rip strip length of material M, this being advanced by the feed rolls 429. When the previously inside anvil reaches the outside position, and as the drum comes to a stop, the knife 359 severs the material against the anvil and comes to a stop.

The entire rip strip applying operation occurs during the pause of the indexing conveyor subsequent to the delivery of a container to the rip strip applying station E. Upon the next indexing of the conveyor, the container, now having the rip strip applied thereto, is pushed to station E. It remains in this position during the next pause of the conveyor, and upon the next indexing of the conveyor, is pushed on to the exit belt conveyor 45. Here it is pinched between the belt 493 and the heater plate 489. The belt 493 effects a rotation of the container to bring the entire circumferential extent of the container against the plate, thereby to dry the glue. Ultimately, the container escapes from between the belt 493 and the plate 489, and is carried away by the conveyor 45 to a label applying machine (not shown).

In the continuous operation of the apparatus, there is a container at each of stations A, B, C, D, E and F.

- During each pause of the indexing conveyor, the container at B will be rotating and having adhesive applied thereto, and the container at E will be rotating and having a pre-cut, pro-folded, pre-spot-glued rip strip R applied thereto. Upon each indexing of the indexing conveyor, a fresh container is delivered to the adhesive-applying station B. A container with adhesive 5 thereon is delivered to the rip strip applying station E. A container with a rip strip thereon is being discharged from station F for drying of the adhesive and delivery to the label applying machine (not shown).

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for applying to a container a rip strip for ripping a wrapper subsequently to be applied around the container to hold a cap on the container, comprising means for applying adhesive peripherally around the con- 7 tainer along a rip line, adjacent the line of the rim of the cap, means for releasably holding an individual rip strip, means for bringing the container into engagement with the rip strip as releasably held by said holding means for securement of an end portion of the strip to the container by the adhesive, and means for relatively rotating the container and said strip holding means to apply the strip around the container upon the adhesive by wrapping.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising means for folding an end portion of the rip strip as releasably held by said holding means to extend laterally with respect, to. the. length. of; the strip in such position that upon application of the strip to the container, the folded. end p rt on of the. strip projects beyond the cap.

3.- Apparatus as, set. for h in claim .2. further including means. for applying adhesive to the folded end portion of the strip for adherence of the folded end portion to the container.

4. Apparatus for applying rip strips to cylindrical containers comprising means for applying adhesive peripherally around a container on a rip line, a rotary drum adapted releasably to grip a strip extending around its periphery, means for supplying a continuous length of rip strip material to the drum, said drum, upon rotation in one direction, being adapted to wind the material therearound, means for cutting off a rip strip length of the material extending around the drum, means for rotatably supporting a container in position for engagement of the rip strip length on the drum with the adhesive on the container, means for moving containers from the adhesiveapplying means to the container supporting means, and means for rotating the drum in said one direction and a container on said supporting means in the opposite direction so that the rip strip length on the drum, attached to the container by the adhesive, is pulled from the drum and wound around the container on the adhesive, and a fresh cut rip strip length is brought on to the drum.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein the diameter of the drum corresponds to a whole multiple of a rip strip length and the drum is rotated through the fraction of a revolution corresponding to the reciprocal of said multiple in applying a rip strip to a container.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein the drum is a suction drum for gripping the rip strip by suction.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein the means for cutting the material comprises a cutter which severs 9 the material against the periphery of the drum.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, further comprising means carried by the drum for folding an end portion of the strip on the drum to extend laterally with respect to the length of the strip in such position that upon winding of the strip on to the container, the folded end portion of the strip projects beyond the end of the container.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the folding means comprises a blade pivoted on the drum to swing into a slit in the periphery of the drum, the plane of movement of the blade and the slit being angled to effect a lateral folding of the end portion of the strip, and wherein the blade is controlled by a fixed cam.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, further comprising means for applying adhesive to the outside of the folded end portions of the strip on the drum.

11. Apparatus for applying rip strips to cylindrical containers, comprising an indexing conveyor for moving a succession of containers in upright position, means at a first station along the path of travel of the conveyor for applying adhesive peripherally around a container along a rip line, and means at a second station farther along the path of travel of the conveyor for applying a rip strip around the line of adhesive, said rip strip applying means comprising means for holding an upright container for rotation on a vertical axis, a drum rotary on a vertical axis and adapted releasably to grip a rip strip extending peripherally around the drum at the level of the line of adhesive on a container, a container on the holder engaging the rip strip so that the strip becomes adhesively secured to the container, and means for rotating the container at said second station and said drum so that the strip is pulled from the drum and wrapped around the line of adhesive on the container.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the drum is hollow and peripherally apertured, and a pump is connected to the drum to draw a vacuum therein and hold a strip on the drum by suction.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11, further com prising means for folding an end portion of the strip on the drum to extend upward.

14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the folding means is carried by the drum and controlled in response to rotation of the drum.

15. Apparatus for applying to filled cylindrical con-- tainers closed by a removable cap a rip strip for ripping a wrapper subsequently to be applied to the container for holding the cap, comprising a first and a second turntable each adapted to hold a container for rotationin upright position, an intermittently movable conveyor for moving upright containers toward and on to the first turntable, from the first to the second turntable, and off and away from the second turntable, means for rotating a container on the first turntable during the intervals between move-' ment of the conveyor, means for applying adhesive to a container being rotated on the first turntable along a peripheral rip line adjacent the rim of the cap, a suction drum rotary on a vertical axis adjacent the second turntable for gripping by suction a strip extending around its periphery at the elevation of the line of adhesive on a container on the second turntable, a container on the second turntable being engageable with the rip strip on the drum so that the strip becomes adhesively attached to the container, means for supplying a continuous length of rip strip material for winding on the drum and cutting off individual rip strips on the drum, means for folding upward an end portion of a rip strip on the drum, and means for rotating the drum and a container on the second turntable during the intervals between movement of the conveyor for transfer of the folded strip from the drum to the container by winding around the container and for supplying of a fresh strip on the drum by winding around the drum.

16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein the con veyor comprises an endless chain having outwardly extending arms for pushing containers.

17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein the endless chain conveyor is mounted in a horizontal plane above a table, and the conveyor arms push containers on the table.

18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein the means for applying the adhesive to a container comprises a thin-rimmed roller rotary on a vertical axis in position for peripheral engagement with a container on thefirst turntable, and means for applying adhesive to the rim of the roller.

19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the means for applying adhesive to the rim of the roller comprises a receptacle for adhesive, a pump having its inlet connected to the receptacle to withdraw adhesive therefrom, and a pipe connected to the pump outlet for return ing adhesive to the receptacle, said pipe having a slot receiving the rim of the roller.

20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein the suction drum comprises a ring having upper and lower head plates enclosing a vacuum chamber within the ring, the ring having radial perforations spaced around its periphery leading to the vacuum chamber.

21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein the cutting is accomplished by a cutter operating in timed relation with the suction drum to cut rip strip material against the drum.

22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein the means for folding the rip strips comprises a folder blade pivoted on the drum for swinging into a folder slit in the periphery of the drum.

23. In apparatus for applying rip strips to cylindrical containers, a rotary suction drum having a peripheral series of perforations opening into the interior of the drum, whereby rip strip material may be held in position on the periphery of the drum over the perforations by suction, the drum having a non-radial peripheral slit, and a strip folder comprising a blade pivoted on the drum to swing into and out of the slit.

24. In apparatus for applying rip strips to cylindrical containers, a rotary suction drum having a peripheral series of perforations opening into the interior of the drum, whereby rip strip material may be held in position on the periphery of the drum over the perforations by suction, the drum having a pair of anvils at diametrically opposite points on its periphery, and a knife rotary in timed relation to the drum to make one revolution for each half-revolution of the drum and phased to engage the anvils, the drum having a pair of slits at diametrically opposite points on its periphery adjacent the anvils, and a pair of strip folders, one for each slit, each folder comprising a blade pivoted on the drum to swing into and out of the respective slit, each slit being angled in the direction toward the adjacent anvil.

25. Apparatus for applying to filled cylindrical containers closed by a removable cap a rip strip for ripping a wrapper subsequently to be applied to the container for holding the cap, comprising a rotary support for an upright container, means for forwarding to the support containers each having a line of adhesive extending peripherally around the container along a rip line adjacent the cap, a suction drum rotary on a vertical axis adjacent the rotary support for gripping by suction a rip strip extending around its periphery at the elevation of the line of adhesive on a container on the rotary support, a container on the support being engageable with a rip strip on the drum so that the strip becomes adhesively attached to the container, and means responsive to the delivery of a container to the rotary support for rotating the drum and the container on the support to cause the strip to be wrapped around the container on the adhesive.

26. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, further comprising means for supplying a continuous length of strip material to the drum and severing the material against the drum to provide an individual rip strip on the drum, and means carried by the drum for folding an end portion of the rip strip on the drum to form a pull tab.

27. Apparatus for applying to a container a rip strip for ripping a wrapper subsequently to be applied around the container to hold a cap on the container, comprising means for applying adhesive peripherally around the container along a rip line adjacent the line of the rim of the cap, means for holding a rip strip, means for folding an end portion of the rip strip to extend laterally Withrespect to the length of the strip, means for bringing the container into engagement with the rip strip as held by said holding means for securement of an end portion of the strip to the container by the adhesive, and means for relatively rotating the container and said strip holding means to apply the strip around the container upon the adhesive by wrapping, with the folded end portion of the strip projecting beyond the end of the container.

28. Apparatus for applying to a cylindrical container a rip strip for ripping a wrapper subsequently to be applied around the container to hold a cap on the container, comprising a rotary drum adapted releasably to grip a rip strip extending peripherally around the drum, means for holding a container for rotation in a position in engagement with a rip strip on the periphery of the drum, whereby upon securement of the strip to the container and rotation of the container and drum, the strip may be pulled from the drum and wrapped around the containen'andmeans carried by the drum for folding an end portion of the rip strip as releasably held by the drum to extend laterally with respect to the length of the strip in such position that upon application of thestrip to the container, the folded end portion of the strip projects beyond the cap.

29. Apparatus as set forth in claim 28, further comprising means for applying adhesive to the folded end portion of the strip for adherence of the folded end por- .tion to the container.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,203,592 Escobales Nov. 7, 1916 1,976,971 Thorn Oct. 16, 1934 2,005,665 Saignier June 18, 1935 2,090,689 Lindsey Aug. 24, 1937 2,120,629 Schunemann June 14, 1938 2,198,119 Krengel Apr. 23, 1940 2,325,145 Martin July 27, 1943 7 2,352,766 Bogus July 4, 1944 2,359,271 Sidebotham Sept. 26, 1944 2,362,819 Hinchey Nov. 14, 1944 2,446,618 Stephano Aug. 10, 1948 2,584,336 Eisenhardt Feb. 5, 1952 

